The Heroes Return Lottery Grant scheme has been extended for travel to the end of December 2012, provided application forms are submitted by 31st January 2012. As part of this scheme, in March 2012 a group of Far East Prisoners of War – those incarcerated by the Japanese during World War 2 – will be returning to where they were once captured and held. The trip is due to leave at the end of March 2012 and will take in Jakarta, formerly Batavia, where many were held prior to being deployed as slave labour around the rest of Asia, including the infamous Thai/Burma railway, the Sumatra Railway, mines and dockyards in Japan, and building runways in the Moluccas.
The veterans and relatives will then move onto Ambon island in the Moluccas, with a side visit to the island of Haruku – the site of camps where the men were set to work building runways out of coral. The abhorrent conditions in these camps and the inhumane methods of transportation between islands ensured that less than 30% of those sent to work there returned.
The visit to honour and remember what was sacrificed for us is being organised by John Babbage and includes members of The Java Far Eastern Prisoner of War Club, which is the largest and only remaining nationwide Club for these veterans and their widows.
The itinerary and bookings are currently being finalised – if you or anyone you know would like to apply to join this trip, you should get in contact as soon as possible.
John Babbage is taking the group of Far East POWs / wives / widows / siblings on their poignant return visit to the locations where they were incarcerated, namely JAVA, AMBON and HARUKU.
Sadly, out of a group of 23, the actual number of veterans in the group has gradually dwindled to only four. Bearing in mind the average age of the veterans is 90 plus, it’s hardly surprising. Regrettably, failing health is taking its toll. This will probably be the last such visit for this group of people, so John wants to make absolutely sure that every Far East veteran out there is aware of this tour.
Subject to Big Lottery terms and conditions, the trip will be covered by lottery funding to the value of £1800. An equal amount could be awarded for an accompanying relative and/or carer. This is absolutely the last chance, as this particular lottery funding ends 31st January 2012.
The March 2012 tour group includes members of The Java Far Eastern Prisoner of War Club, which is the largest and only remaining nationwide Club for these veterans and their widows.
The itinerary and bookings are currently being finalised – if you or anyone you know would like to find out about how to join this trip, you can contact John Babbage:
Website - http://www.worldwartwoheritage
Email - info@worldwartwoheritage.com
Telephone - 01582 737 172
To learn more about The Java FEPOW Club, visit the Club’s web site at www.thejavafepowclub42.org
Remember - it is not too late to apply for funding through the 'Heroes Return 2' Lottery Grant Scheme. You have until 31st January 2012 to apply as a WW2, widow, widower, spouse and, in some cases, accompanying carers. Once approved, trips can be organised and taken anytime up to 31st December 2012.